As women transition into motherhood, they often relinquish numerous indulgences. This transformation is to be expected. Those peaceful Sunday mornings spent lounging in pajamas, sipping coffee, and diving into novels become a distant memory. The carefree brunches with friends—where phones aren’t constantly buzzing with messages like, “What should I do if our child falls and needs a Band-Aid?”—are replaced with a whirlwind of responsibility. The moments of leisure and self-care often vanish the moment we welcome a child into our lives. But what about our showers? Yes, those 15 minutes we crave to cleanse our bodies (and minds) still exist, albeit in a different form.
Showering Before Kids: A Ritual of Self-Care
- Begin by turning on the water, ensuring it’s the perfect temperature while admiring your complexion in the mirror.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil—lavender or eucalyptus, whatever your mood dictates.
- Disrobe, catch a glimpse of your body, and reflect (sometimes negatively) on your shape.
- Step into the shower.
- Start with a foot scrub, meticulously removing all dead skin with a homemade peppermint blend.
- Lather up using a loofah for most areas, but switch to an exfoliating glove for rough patches like the backs of your arms.
- Time for hair: shampoo twice, first with a color-enhancing formula, then a deeply hydrating one. Rinse, repeat.
- Don’t forget the conditioner; let it sit while you shave—yes, every inch, even that little fuzz on your toe.
- Treat yourself to a facial steam with a thorough cleanse, followed by scrubs and masks.
- Step out of the shower.
- Use two towels: one for your hair, the other for your body.
- Dry off, but remember, a little moisture helps when applying body cream.
- Moisturize meticulously—face first, then body, and finally hair with a protective serum.
- Slip into a warm robe that your partner thoughtfully dried for you.
Showering After Kids: A Hectic Necessity
- Quietly sneak into the bathroom after getting your baby to sleep.
- Step into the shower, only to discover the water is freezing. With limited time, you push through.
- Bring your toothbrush along; multitasking is key.
- Realizing the soap is gone, you grab shampoo instead.
- Wash as much as you can with one hand while continuing to brush your teeth with the other.
- Finally, the water warms up!
- Turn off the water and hurriedly exit the shower.
- Use a damp towel off the floor (which your partner used earlier) to dry off.
- Slip into yesterday’s yoga pants and a tee.
Next time you find yourself behind a perfectly polished, childless woman in line, smile knowingly. You once embodied that carefree existence, but the title of “Mom” brings a depth of fulfillment that outshines any corporate title. One day, she might also wonder how she went from stylish heels to “Oops! I’m still in slippers.” For more insights on the journey of motherhood, check out our blog post at this link.
For those navigating the complexities of starting a family, this resource offers valuable information. Additionally, you can explore this blog for expert advice on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Motherhood transforms daily routines, especially something as simple as showering. Before kids, showers are rituals of relaxation and self-care, while after kids, they become rushed necessities. Embrace the journey and the lessons it teaches about time, priorities, and self-care.